Khristy Thompson, Ph.D., MA-CMHC

Needham Board of Health

My goal is to enhance Needham’s environmental health, encompassing both physical and mental well-being.

Access to quality mental health services is essential for a thriving community. As a mental health counselor, I am committed to strengthening local resources, ensuring safe living environments, and fostering open communication to address Needham’s health needs.

My Priorities:

  • Expanding Mental Health Services for all: Improve access to counseling, crisis intervention, community support programs, and addressing isolation.

  • Promoting Safe & Healthy Environments: Advocate for policies that support both physical and mental well-being.

  • Transparency & Collaboration: Engage openly with residents and work closely with the Board of Health and community partners.

  • Evidence-Based Solutions: Use expertise in neurotoxicology and data analysis to implement evidence-based health strategies.

By investing in mental health and community well-being, we can create a stronger, healthier Needham together.

  • What are my qualifications for office?

    Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Coordinator for Cancer Support Programs with Advocates Community Counseling, Scientist and Instructor (Toxicology) with Harvard School of Public Health, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Anatomy and an in M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling,

    Needham resident and parent for two decades.

  • What do I see as the most important goal if elected?

    The BOH must play a proactive role in protecting health and remain a trusted source of information. I seek to contribute my skills and expertise to our community. I will strive to strengthen the availability of mental health resources—counseling, crisis intervention, and community support—for all ages.  Also, the BOH must use all of its powers to address environmental risks to health. I am committed to collaboration, transparency and open dialogue with residents to address their concerns.

  • What are my main sources of information for providing guidance to the DPH on a public health issue?

    To provide comprehensive, evidence-based guidance to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), I would consult authoritative sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Massachusetts DPH, local health authorities such as Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham and Riverside Community Care, peer-reviewed journals, professional organizations like the American Public Health Association (APHA), and community feedback. This approach ensures that policies and programs are tailored to meet the evolving needs of the Needham community.

  • What do I expect will be the major public health issues our community will deal with in the next few years?

    Major areas of concern I see for Needham over the next few years include Mental Health and Wellness: access to care and stigma reduction, Substance Use Prevention: focus on youth and pregnant women, Physical Health and Wellbeing: promoting healthy nutrition and physical activity through equitable system and policy improvements, Maternal and Child Health: nursing visits, answer parental questions, and resources for the first year after childbirth, and Health Equity: addressing social determinants of health (housing, food insecurity, and transportation).

About Me

Khristy J. Thompson, Ph.D., MA-CMHC

With over two decades of experience in public health, neuroscience and mental health counseling, I bring knowledge and dedication to the Needham community.

Professional Background

  • Harvard School of Public Health: Over 20 years as a scientist specializing in neurotoxicology and developmental biology.

  • Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: Instructor of Physiology.

  • William James College: Instructor in Health and Behavioral Medicine.

  • Clinical Practice: Currently serve as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Coordinator for Adult Cancer, Survivorship, and Caregiver Programs at Advocates Community Counseling.

Educational Credentials

  • Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Anatomy: Earned from Pennsylvania State University.

  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Obtained from William James College.

Commitment to Needham

As a resident and parent in Needham for over 20 years, I am deeply invested in the health and well-being of the community.

Contact Me

Do you have any ideas or questions? Fill out the form and I will be in touch shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you!